Thursday, April 24, 2008

E-Newsletter 2nd Edition

Contents:
1 Bhuapur Flood Rehabilitation Project Dedication Ceremony
2 Volunteers in Patuakhali
3 Global Village/Volunteer Teams
4 Fundraising
5 Hoops for Habitat
6 Coming Events
7 Asia/Pacific Updates
8 Habitat Merchandise
9 Regular Program


1. Bhuapur Flood Rehabilitation Project Dedication Ceremony
Habitat for Humanity Int’l Bangladesh handed over rehabilitation shelters to 120 flood affected families in Bhuapur, Tangail during a house dedication ceremony on 3rd March 2008.

The ceremony was organized at the Arjuna Union Council in Bhuapur upazila in Tangail District. Md. Akther Ali Sarker, Deputy Commissioner of Tangail was present at the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Yoshihiro Sakakibara Fist Secretary for Development Cooperation and Economic Affairs of Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
In her speech Megumi Nishijima International Program Officer of Habitat Japan expressed her gratitude to the audience in Bangla. She cherished all who came to celebrate the House Dedication Ceremony.

While recalling the situation after the flood she said when the assessment team visited the villages by boat, they couldn’t see houses but water every where. She said, “The area almost looked like an ocean. We witnessed people were trying to evacuate with their belongings by boat.” She also mentioned the critical conditions at the shelter camps. She added “People were living at congested and very small places with tiny shelters made of jute sticks. There were no safe water and sanitation. People have no enough food. Agricultural products were damaged. But people had the urge to go back to their own places after the water subsides and start all over again.”

Ms. Megumi thanked HFHI-B staffs to respond even on holidays. She continued her touchy speech saying, “All though there were lots of discussions and arguments along the way now everything turned to me like good memories.” She gave her gratitude to each Project staffs including drivers and cooks by their names and mentioned how their enthusiasm was instrumental in completing the project on time.

In concluding her remarks she cited the home owners’ duty. She said, “Now it depends on you how you will make your lives comfortable. You have to work hard, face new challenges and bring changes in your lives.”

Whilst speaking at the ceremony Roger Bodary the CEO/National Director of Habitat for Humanity Int’l Bangladesh thanked Govt. of Bangladesh especially for the cooperation and timely approvals of the Disaster Management Bureau, NGO Affairs Bureau and local government of Tangail District to make this project such a success.

He said “Habitat for Humanity is indeed very pleased to be able to be a part of the flood rehabilitation effort of the Government of Bangladesh. Our only sorrow is that we could not have provided more.”

2. Volunteers in Patuakhali
This past month has been quite busy for The Patuakhali Cyclone Sidr Project. Volunteers from Christian Aid Mission (CAM) have been diligently working on-site, creating the first of many transitional shelters for those affected by Cyclone Sidr.

The CAM teams were met by a contingent from ARUP, a global design and business consulting firm specializing in building and construction engineering. The ARUP team comprised of employees from the U.K., Australia, Italy, South Africa and the United States.
The project was also visited by a local group, comprising of Habitat staff and supporters, as well as a noted photojournalist.

3. Global Village Teams/Volunteer Teams
This has been a busy month for Sanjay, our Volunteers Manager, hosting 6 teams since the last e-newsletter. The following teams joined Habitat Bangladesh during the last month:

Rits Habitat (Campus Chapter)
Kandai Habitat
Meiji Gakuin University
International School Dhaka
ARUP Grup
JCC Kansai

To be a part of the Global village program, please contact Sanjay, sanjay@habitatbangladesh.org

Pierre is organizing yet another group of local volunteers to visit our builds around Bangladesh. Some positions are still available for the 24th and 26th of March. Please contact Pierre if you would like to join a 1-day build on those days.
Pierre@habitatbangladesh.org

4. Fundraising
Sponsor a regular home only at USD 800 or Taka 56,000. You can donate a core shelter unit for our Sidr rehabilitation project with Taka 70,000.

A little bit of your sharing can ensure a home for a family. To donate or getting involved with Habitat Bangladesh contact Emelda at emeldam@habitatbangladesh.org

5. Hoops for Habitat
On Saturday, 15th March, a charity basketball tournament, Hoops for Habitat, was organized to benefit local NGO Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh.


Organized and run by a team from Dhaka, comprising of an Australian (our own Pierre from the RD/PR Department), 2 Frenchmen and a Bangladeshi, the event drew 20 teams and over 150 people, raising 16,700 taka for Habitat’s work in rural Bangladesh, building homes for those most in need.

The event was sponsored by the International School, Dhaka, who provided the venue and support staff free of charge, as well as Virgin Cola, who generously provided refreshments for players and spectators alike.

Comprising of a 3 on 3 tournament and a 3-point contest, Hoops for Habitat attracted a diverse range of players, from Bangladeshis to Americans, Chinese to French.


After 5 hours of competitive basketball, the “Big Bangs”, incidentally the organizer’s team, emerged as tournament victors. They were presented the trophy by Roger Bodary, CEO of Habitat Bangladesh, and in turn presented Mr. Bodary with the proceeds from the tournament.

6. Coming Events
a) Concert for Habitat - April
b) Battle of the Bands - April
c) Rep Your School Competition – More details soon!

7. Asia/Pacific Updates
Some of our stories from the field will be appearing on the Habitat Asia/Pacific website, keep checking the website!
www.habitat.org/ap

8. Habitat Merchandise
Both our Calendars and Bricks are still available, get yours today!
Bricks: 500 taka
Calendars: 150 taka
Contact us for orders.

9. Regular Program
House Projection:

Total family served = 1197
Under Construction = 35
Family served for the month of February = 58
Total FY 08 Family served = 133

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